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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Secretary of the British Admiralty Sir Oswyn A. R. Murray to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

Subject Copy.                Y SJC             File No. 32-5-19

CABLEGRAM SENT           December 19, 1918.

To   Opnav, Washington.                     Serial No. 2126

Prep. BY AC                       Sx

     By direction of Admiral1

2126 Following official letter received this day from Admiralty QUOTE At the meeting of the Board of Admiralty I was directed by Minute of Board to forward to you the attached message expressive of the Board’s admiration of the work done by the Forces under Rear-Admiral Rodman and Rear Admiral Strauss2 and of their appreciation of the spirit of helpfulness and comradeships which has existed throughout between these Forces and the British Naval Forces. On the occasion of the departure of the Squadron of United States Battleships, which has for a year and a half served in British waters as the Sixth Battle Squadron of the Grand Fleet, and has shared in all the Fleet’s activities, the Board of Admiralty desire to express to Admiral W.S. Sims U.S. Navy, as Commander of the United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters, their sense of pride that so magnificent a Force should have been associated with the Grand Fleet under the orders of the British Commander-in-Chief,3and their intense satisfaction that this association has proved so intimate and harmonious. The Board beg that the Force Commander will transmit to Rear Admiral Hugh Rodman U.S.N. their congratulations and their warm thanks for the <distinguished> service which he has rendered to the Allied Cause. The Board also understand that the United States Naval Mine Force will shortly be leaving for home, and they would be grateful if the Force Commander will inform Rear Admiral J.S. Strauss USN. Of the regret that they feel at the departure of this Force, which has taken so energetic and valuable a part in the mining operations in the North Sea and with which all the British Forces that have been brought into association with it have enjoyed such cordial relations, Signed Secretary Admiralty.” 165419 2126.

Sims                   

Source Note: CS, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B.

Footnote 1: Probably Adm. William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters.

Footnote 2: RAdm. Hugh Rodman, Commander, Battleship Division Nine, and RAdm. Joseph Strauss, Commander, Mine Force, Atlantic Fleet.

Footnote 3: Adm. Sir David Beatty, Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet.

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